Al Sharpton won’t Deliver Eulogy at Slain NYPD Officer’s Funeral

He honors union leaders’ requests to not do it

*Despite, announcing that he would be delivering the eulogy at the funeral of NYPD officer Randolph Holder, the Rev. Al Sharpton is honoring the request of various union leaders to not do so.

Revealing the news in a letter to the Holder’s family that was obtained by the New York Daily News, Sharpton referenced concerns from the leaders that his presence at the funeral will turn the memorial into a spectacle. As a result, Sharpton mentioned that he decided not to give the eulogy while pointing out that Holder’s family invited him to speak at the service.

“I refuse, despite my strong feelings on police issues, to be part of anything that would marginalize and take away from the focus of this city and nation mourning your son tomorrow,” Sharpton wrote as he sent prayers to the family.

Even though he’s bowing out, the civil rights activist expressed how grateful he was that Holder’s family and pastor reached out to him.

“I thought my coming might give a sense of unity in the city; that we can disagree on cases and on policies, but that we are united that the senseless and ruthless killing of officers like your son must be denounced,” Sharpton wrote. “I thought you and your pastor’s idea that both of you expressed to me on Saturday showed the height of moral leadership because you cannot heal if you are selective on those that you allow to be in the discussion.”

News of Sharpton not delivering the eulogy comes after Holder was brutally shot last week in the line of duty.

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